Cream Cheese Lemon Bars With Kit Kat Crust Recipe

For the crust:

5 (1 1/2-oz.) Kit Kat bars

For the filling:

8 oz. cream cheese

2 C. powdered sugar

1 egg

2 T. fresh lemon juice

1 t. lemon extract

Zest from one small lemon, about 1 1/2 t.

For the topping:

1/3 C. all-purpose flour

1/3 C. granulated sugar

1/2 t. lemon extract

2 T. butter, room temperature

To prepare the crust:
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a food processor, finely chop the Kit Kats. Spread evenly in an 8-by-8-inch pan, pressing lightly. Bake for 5 minutes.

To prepare the filling:
 Meanwhile, in a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and egg and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add lemon juice, extract and lemon zest and mix well. Pour filling evenly over the warm crust.

Prepare topping:
In a medium bowl or food processor, combine the flour, sugar, lemon extract and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the filling. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned. Cool completely, then cut into squares.

Makes 25 servings.